SOLAR PV PROJECT LAOS………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………50

SOLAR PV PROJECT

In Sep 2020, a 30 MW Solar PV plant got commissioned in Pursat province, the Solar project was implemented by Schneitec Infinite Co Ltd with an investment of $29 million, while Jinko Solar was the supplier of modules for this project. In March 2021, a 60 MW Solar PV project got commissioned in southwestern Thma Koul district’s Anlong Run while the project was financed by Risen Energy. In March 2021, a 39 MW Solar PV Power plant in far north western Banteay Meanchey province has been connected to the national grid, JA Solar was the module supplier whereas Shanxi Electric Power Engineering did the EPC for the project. Prime Road Power Co won the first stage of bidding for the completion of a 60 MW Solar PV Power plant, which is part of the National Solar Project and will be financed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) via a concession loan.

Also, bidding for the second stage 40 MW Solar PV project opened in February 2021 and is still under process, Asian Development Bank (ADB) is financing the project, which is being monitored by Electricite du Cambodge. Other Solar PV projects such as the 30 MW Solar PV plant in Banteay Meanchey province were invested in by Ray Power Supply Co Ltd.

There are lots of potential for Solar PV in the country, also many top global Solar PV companies are showing interest to invest in the Solar projects, also Asian Development Bank is supporting by providing loan to the country for Solar PV development. The country has provided electricity to more than 97 percent of all villages across the country stated by the energy ministry, which had previously announced a goal to provide electricity to 100 percent of all villages by 2021 or 2022. Still, many reforms are needed in the renewable energy sector especially Solar. RE development requires the government’s political will and actions in establishing a favorable business environment, effective institutions, and providing financial support. A considerable amount of RE potential remains untapped, so there are ample opportunities for advancing RE development in response to the growing electricity needs and ultimately to achieve continued economic development and environmental sustainability.

LAOS

The installed capacity in the country has crossed 20 MW for Solar which is far less compared to other countries of the same geographical. Even though the major contribution of electricity generation comes from Hydropower. The overall installed Power capacity in the country was around 8 GW by 2020, as Lao People's Democratic Republic has an abundance source of water across the country, most of the Solar PV project which should be set up on the water reservoir of hydro projects. Solar irradiance on Lao PDR is between 3.6-5.5 kWh/m^2, with sunshine 1800-2000 hrs/year. With such Solar energy potential, if photovoltaic technology was used (overall efficiency of 10%), it would generate 146 kWh/m2/year. The Lao Government and shareholders of Nam Theun 2 hydropower plant will develop Nam Theun 2-Solar, which is expected to become the world’s largest hybrid floating Solar project. With an installed capacity of 240 MWp, the plant will be built on a 3.2 sq. km surface area of the reservoir of Nam Theun 2.